The Rising Flood, Book 3 of the Marek series is out today in eBook

Out today, on all good eBook platforms, book 3 of Juliet Kemp’s gripping Marek series, The Rising Flood, takes us to Marek just as unseasonal storms are sweeping across the Oval Sea. Once again the book is graced with a beautiful cover from artist Tony Allcock.

Malka Older, Author of the Centenal Cycle series, Hugo Award finalist, said “Fantasy politics with real nuance and believable uncertainty, characters whose richness and depth has developed over three books, and a growing threat that starts pulling together threads across the series make The Rising Flood a fantastic read, while Marek is a textured place that is a joy to return to.

Artwork: Tony Allcock
Artwork: Tony Allcock

A darkness writhes in the heart of Teren.

The Academy is unleashing demons on dissenters, and refugees rush to leave the capital with nothing but their lives and a hope.

That hope brings them to the city of Marek, Teren’s only major port, which harbours dreams of independence. But Marek is not as stable as it seems.

Marcia, Heir to House Fereno, has spent the last two years fighting to keep Marek safe and prosperous – but with child, her relationship in ruins and the increasing threat of Teren to worry about, can she find her way through? The printing houses of the city run rabble-rousing polemic, penned by an increasingly frustrated majority who feel left out of the rule and riches of Marek. They demand change, and Marcia can’t help but agree with much of what they’re saying.

On the other side of the bridge, the tiny group of Marek’s remaining sorcerers must negotiate their way through troubles of their own. Cato, Marcia’s exiled brother, and Reb, her ex-lover, are trying to train a new generation of sorcerers and both are having problems. Jonas simply won’t take ‘no’ for an answer from Cato; and Reb’s two students feel held back, both know that change, and strife, may be coming – and neither are ready to deal with it. But Reb cannot bring herself to move faster.

Between them, the five sorcerers alongside Marek’s cityangel can expel a single demon. But Teren has many, and other fears loom on the horizon. Out-of-season storms rampage across the Oval Sea, threatening trade – and Jonas’ family, out plying the trade winds – and the unseasonable weather threatens Marek itself.

Menaced by the distant capital, by dissension from within, and even by nature itself – will the rising flood lift all boats?

Or will they be capsized?

You can get The Rising Flood on your favourite eBook platform via Books2Read.

 

Don’t Look Back by John Gribbin now available to pre-order

Artwork: David A. Hardy
Artwork: David A. Hardy

Don’t Look Back, the definitive retrospective collection of short stories by John Gribbin is now available to pre-order from major eBook retailers. Many of the stories in this collection were originally published in Analog and other magazines. Some were precursors to John’s classic novels Innervisions, Double Planet, The Alice Encounter and Father to the Man. As well as 23 Science Fiction short stories, three of which John wrote with his son Ben Gribbin, this collection includes two Science Fact essays on subjects beloved of science fiction authors and readers. In one essay, John provides scientifically accurate DIY instructions for creating a time machine; and in the other, he argues that the Moon is, in fact, a Babel Fish!

Complementing John’s stories is the fantastic cover designed by legendary space artist David A. Hardy.

Don’t Look Back will be published in eBook formats on the 5th May and in paperback on the 7th August.

For more details and links to retailers visit bit.ly/DontLookBackJohnGribbin

 

Out now – Dinnusos Rises by Tej Turner

Tej TurnerWe are delighted to be publishing Dinnusos Rises today, the second novel by Tej Turner. Set in the same urban landscape as his debut novel The Janus Cycle, and featuring some of the same characters along with new voices, Dinnusos Rises is a modern-day fantasy with a sharp tongue and a hard heart, but a profound soul.

Artwork: Alison Buck
Artwork: Alison Buck

Dinnusos Rises is a standalone sequel and does not require the reader to have previously read The Janus Cycle, but fans of The Janus Cycle will be pleased to catch up with some of the characters they have met before. The vibe has soured somewhat after a violent clash in the Janus nightclub a few months ago, and since then Neal has opened a new establishment called ‘Dinnusos’.

Located on a derelict and forgotten side of town, it is not the sort of place you stumble upon by accident, but over time it enchants people, and soon becomes a nucleus for urban bohemians and a refuge for the city’s lost souls. Rumour has it that it was once a grand hotel, many years ago, but no one is quite sure. Whilst mingling in the bar downstairs you might find yourself in the company of poets, dreamers, outsiders, and all manner of misfits and rebels. And if you’re daring enough to explore its ghostly halls, there’s a whole labyrinth of rooms on the upper floors to get lost in…

Now it seems that not just Neal’s clientele, but the entire population of the city, begin to go crazy when beings, once thought mythological, enter the mortal realm to stir chaos as they sow the seeds of militancy.

Eight characters. Most of them friends, some of them strangers. Each with their own story to tell. All of them destined to cross paths in a surreal sequence of events which will change them forever.

Dinnusos Rises is available from today on all major eBook platforms. It will also be available in paperback from 10th July.

What are you waiting for? Buy it now and get reading straight away. You won’t regret it.

 

“quite a page-turner” – review of Freedom’s Prisoners on Terry Tyler Book Reviews

On her Terry Tyler Book Reviews blog, writer Terry Tyler has just reviewed Freedom’s Prisoners, the third book in the Blueprint trilogy by Katrina Mountfort, and awarded it 5 out of 5 stars.

Artwork: Alex Storer
Artwork: Alex Storer

Having favourably reviewed each of the first two books in the trilogy when they were published, Future Perfect (“A terrific novel”) and Forbidden Alliance (“Recommended for all lovers of books about future worlds”) it was no surprise that Terry should be the first to review the trilogy finale which she says was “fun to read”. She says it is a “terrific trilogy” that tells a lot about human nature and the “possible (and worrying) development” of some of humanity’s less likeable traits. Terry writes that she really appreciated Katrina’s “clever assessment of what technology would be like nearly 200 years from now” as too many other books set in the future have less convincing world building, adding that the “characterisation is great”. Concluding that Freedom’s Prisoners is “Very clever and well thought out” she recommends it to those who like “these sort of books, and to those who think they don’t, too!”

You can read Terry’s full review of Freedom’s Prisoners on her blog here. Her review of Future Perfect is here and her review of Forbidden Alliance is here

 

It’s Just the Chronosphere Unfolding as it Should now available in paperback

It’s Just the Chronosphere Unfolding as it Should, being the fourth novel in Ira Nayman’s increasingly improperly named Transdimensional Authority series*, and featuring Time Agency agent Radames Trafshanian, is now available in paperback.

Artwork: Hannah B. Farrell Photograph of Dingle Dell: Jose Manuel Revuelta Luna/shutterstock.com
Artwork: Hannah B. Farrell
Photograph of Dingle Dell: Jose Manuel Revuelta Luna/shutterstock.com

When Time Agency agent Radames Trafshanian is not trying to impress her good friend in the Transdimensional Authority, her very special friend, if you know what we mean (and, if you do, could you please tell us, because we’re not entirely certain…), she is busy trying to solve crimes against time (that is, crimes that are themselves against time, not trying to solve them against time – she’s not on the clock… well, she sort of is, but you know what we mean don’t you. You don’t? Well then, you’ll have to read It’s Just the Chronosphere Unfolding as it Should to find out).

In this novel, which is not nearly as parenthetical as the previous paragraph may have led you to believe, we accompany Radames on her latest case, followed by her previous case (time travel’s like that) and on the way we find out much more about the origin of the Time Agency itself and why it’s organised like a Library, which is very timely (see what we did there?). Featuring guest appearances by Noomi Rapier, Elvis Presley and Margaret Atwo–.

 

* (really, would it have killed him to plan the series more in advance? George R. R. Martin planned the first 137 books in his series – it will take more generations in his family to write than the books themselves actually chronicle – before he wrote a single word, and everybody knows where they stand with him)

 

Out today – Freedom’s Prisoners by Katrina Mountfort

Today we are delighted to publish the third book in Katrina Mountfort’s Blueprint trilogy.

Artwork: Alex Storer
Artwork: Alex Storer

The Blueprint trilogy takes us to a future in which men and women are almost identical, and personal relationships are forbidden. In Book 3 of the trilogy, Freedom’s Prisoners, tensions have escalated since the breakout. Michael and his army of rebels may have won the first battle in their fight against the Citidome authorities, but can they win a war? The Citidomes are fighting back and no-one is safe any more as RotorFighters rain down fire on defenceless villages destroying them and their inhabitants.

Freedom’s Prisoners explores betrayal, guilt, hope and endurance in an explosive conclusion to the Blueprint trilogy which is perfectly portrayed in the awesome cover by Alex Storer.

Freedom’s Prisoners is the third book of the Blueprint trilogy. The first book was Future Perfect and the second book was Forbidden Alliance.

Freedom’s Prisoners is out today in eBook formats on all popular platforms, and will also be available in paperback in November (with a launch at Novacon in Nottingham).


Praise for the first two books of the Blueprint Trilogy:

“one of the best modern YA sci-fi novels ever written”

[Seregil of Rhiminee, Risingshadow]

“I enjoyed reading this modern utopia. It reminds me in some ways of 1984 and Brave New World

[Ian Blackwell, British Fantasy Society]

“I treasured Future Perfect’s closeness to reality, the nearest to realistic that you can get for a futuristic dystopian world”

[Hannah Brookes]

“I LOVED this book! Read it over a period of 24 hours, hated having to put it down.”

[Terry Tyler]

“will be of special interest to readers who are familiar with the YA science fiction novels written by Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth. If you’ve enjoyed reading The Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies, you’ll most likely enjoy this novel very much”

[Seregil of Rhiminee, Risingshadow]

Logan’s Run for The Hunger Games generation.”

[Reader comment]

 

OUT TODAY – Reimar Breaking by Jonathan Rivalland

Artwork: Alison Buck
Artwork: Alison Buck

Today we are publishing Reimar Breaking by Jonathan Rivalland. The Prelude to the Iberan War, it is the first book in an exciting new fantasy series set on the world of Brisia.

Of all the known worlds, of all their nations and all their peoples, there is little rarer than the Helions. Each of these ancient structures is a vast, freestanding portal to other worlds; made by an unknown hand long before humanity arose. Those who control one can claim vast wealth by means of trade and movement through these portals.

And on the world of Brisia, it is controlled by the nation of Reimar.

Through both scheming and conflict, Reimar won out against its competitors to claim the territory in which the Helion stands. But Reimar’s rivals do not sit idle, and should widespread conflict break out between the more powerful nations, even the smaller countries have grudges to settle.

Now there are signs of an imminent rebellion, especially among the younger members of more distant noble houses, and some of those rival nations are eager to take advantage of such internal distractions. Princess Siera du Tealdan has shown herself to be a strong and innovative military commander, while her older brother Ramiros enjoys life at the court of their father King Abarron du Tealdan.

When the situation in Reimar takes a shocking turn for the worse, Siera’s military expertise is desperately needed. With no mercenaries available for hire, Siera must pull off a miracle. Having only one skyship armed with ballistae and an under-strength Royal Guard, she must fend off the rebellion, while at the same time dealing with Reimar’s old enemy Iln, that has declared an opportunistic war in order to raid and pillage across the border. If the rebels gain control of the Helion, the kingdom will suffocate.

With skyships, rebels, intrigue and action, Reimar Breaking is a fantastic debut from Jonathan Rivalland, a South African now living in the US. It also includes an awesome map!

Map showing the known entirety of Brisia Produced by Jonathan Rivalland and Alison Buck
Map showing the known entirety of Brisia
Produced by Jonathan Rivalland and Alison Buck

Reimar Breaking is out today in eBook formats on all popular platforms, and will also be available in paperback in November.

 

OUT NOW – Mandigo and the Hellhounds by Anders Reemark

We are delighted to be publishing Mandigo and the Hellhounds by Anders Reemark, translated from the Danish by Nina Sokol.

Artwork: Alison Buck
Artwork: Alison Buck

It is available from today in eBook formats, and will be launched in a print edition at FantasyCon by the Sea in Scarborough in September.

It is the first book in the Mandigo YA fantasy series following the adventures of Mandigo as he discovers that magic is real and he is much more significant than he thought, and is suitable for all ages from 8 to 80+

Originally published in Danish (as Mandigo og Helvedeshundene) by L. Stender e-books in 2015, we are proud to be publishing the English edition.

Although the mediaeval setting and characters have a Scandinavian feel, Anders’ story itself is timeless, transcending national borders and cultures, and appealing to everyone. Readers in any country will empathise with Mandigo as his life takes sudden and unexpected turns, he discovers the truth about his own past, and starts to fear for his future and that of everyone he loves.

“The novel is fast-paced and filled with adventure and good ideas. …and in this book, like in all great trilogies, you know that although the forces of good win a battle… the war has just begun!” Himmelskibet – Magasinet For Fantastik, the leading Danish magazine of the fantastic

Mitch couldn’t help but be jealous of all the fictional wizards out there

Instrument of Peace, the first book in the Symphony of the Cursed series by Rebecca Hall is available from today as an eBook.

Artwork by Alison Buck  based on feather photo by KPG_Payless/shutterstock.com
Artwork by Alison Buck
based on feather photo by KPG_Payless/shutterstock.com

Raised in New Zealand at the world-leading Academy of magic rather than by his absentee parents, Mitch has come to see it as his home. He’s spent more time with his friends than his family and the opinion of his maths teacher matters far more than that of his parents. The best maths student in the school, Mitch is unhappy to discover that Hayley, a girl who beat him in last year’s inter-school competition, has just transferred to the Academy. Nobody expects her to stay long and no-one befriends her. But when a devastating earthquake strikes the school, Mitch’s little brother Cullum is trapped and Hayley rescues him. Mitch is torn between his rivalry with her and being grateful that she saved Cullum’s life. He already knew that Hayley carries a golden feather around with her, but now he discovers that it is an Archangel feather, although he doesn’t yet know how significant it will turn out to be…

The paperback edition of Instrument of Peace will be launched at FantasyCon by the Sea in Scarborough in September. The eBook is available on all popular platforms (click here for details and links).

 

Friday the 13th – The Unseen is here

It’s Friday the 13th.

The Unseen is now here.

Are you brave enough to read it?

Today?

Artwork by Alison Buck; Cottage photograph by 1000 Words/shutterstock.com
Artwork by Alison Buck; Cottage photograph by 1000 Words/shutterstock.com